Justin Winery is one of the unique premium wineries situated in the western hillside, some 16 miles outside the town of Paso Robles. It is a composite of 160 acres of rugged rolling hill vineyards with sub-soils of fossilized limestone and marine deposits. The property is nearly ten miles inland from the Pacific Ocean at elevations of 1100 to 1800 feet. Justin Baldwin, an international investment banker with Midwestern agricultural roots, along with his wife Deborah purchased this "raw land" in the Adelaida district of Paso Robles in 1981. Winemaking for the last 18 vintages has been under the guidance of winemaker Scott Shirley who continues to transform this winery into an iconic brand.

This white is 100% Viognier fermented in neutral French Oak barrels then aged on the yeast for seven months. The delicate yellow hue reveals a lightly floral bouquet of honeysuckle and Meyer lemon. This Viognier appears to be a bit more Northern Rhone in personality with a viscous mouth-feel that quietly yields notes of key lime sorbet and white nectarine marked with lightly toasted sweet oak layered with a touch of vanilla. This wine will definitely compose itself with more bottle aging.

By W Peter Hoyne